Master Pharmacology Cram Table

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key drugs and their uses, side effects, and mnemonics from the lecture notes.

Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)

Used for severe pain; main side effects include respiratory depression, constipation, and drowsiness.

Fentanyl (Duragesic patch)

Used for chronic severe pain; risks include respiratory depression and high addiction potential.

Oxycodone (OxyContin)

Used for moderate to severe pain; side effects include constipation, respiratory depression, and sedation.

Insulin Detemir (Levemir)

Long-acting insulin for diabetes; chronic hypoglycemia risk; provides effect for about 24 hours.

Insulin Aspart (Novolog)

Rapid-acting insulin for diabetes; risk of hypoglycemia; ASP = Attacks Sugar Promptly.

Metformin (Glucophage)

Type 2 diabetes; causes diarrhea and upset stomach; risk of lactic acidosis.

Nitroglycerin

Used for angina; side effects include headache, low blood pressure, and dizziness.

Diltiazem (Cardizem)

Treats high blood pressure, angina, and atrial fibrillation; may cause ankle swelling, slow heart rate, and dizziness.

Lisinopril (Zestril)

Treats high blood pressure, heart failure, and after a heart attack; can cause cough and facial swelling (angioedema). -PRIL = cough and swelling face.

Propranolol (Inderal)

Used for high blood pressure, anxiety, and tremors; may cause slow heart rate, bronchospasm, and fatigue. Pro BANs heart from going fast.

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Prevents blood clots (DVT, stroke); risk of bleeding and bruising. WAR = bleeding war wound.

Enoxaparin (Lovenox)

Prevents clots after surgery or immobility; can cause bleeding and bruising at injection site. LOVEnox = love prevents clots.

Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Prevents heart attack and stroke; risk of bleeding and bruising. CLOP = can clot platelets.

Epoetin (Epogen, Procrit)

Treats anemia (CKD, chemotherapy); can raise blood pressure and increase clot risk.

Risperidone (Risperdal)

Used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder; risk of weight gain, diabetes, and EPS.

Haloperidol (Haldol)

Used for psychosis and Tourette’s; may cause EPS and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Aripiprazole (Abilify)

Treats schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder; may cause agitation and suicidal thoughts.

Lithium (Eskalith)

Used for bipolar disorder; side effects include tremors, thirst, kidney issues, and toxicity.

Sertraline (Zoloft)

Used for depression, PTSD, and OCD; can cause sexual problems and, rarely, serotonin syndrome.

Zolpidem (Ambien)

Insomnia treatment; may cause confusion, sleepwalking, and dizziness.

Pantoprazole / Esomeprazole

Proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux and ulcers; risks include weak bones, diarrhea, and C. difficile infection.

Famotidine (Pepcid)

H2 blocker for acid reflux/ultras; can cause headache and diarrhea.

Sucralfate (Carafate)

Coats ulcers to protect healing; may cause constipation. Sugar coat stomach.

Ondansetron (Zofran)

Prevents nausea/vomiting; can cause irregular heart rhythm, headache, and constipation.

Metoclopramide (Reglan)

Treats nausea/vomiting and speeds gastric emptying; may cause muscle spasms, drowsiness, and diarrhea.

Loperamide (Imodium)

Used for diarrhea; can cause constipation and dry mouth.

Lactulose

Constipation relief and reduces ammonia in liver disease; may cause diarrhea and bloating.

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

NSAID for pain, fever, and inflammation; risks include stomach ulcers and kidney problems.

Naproxen (Aleve)

NSAID for arthritis pain; risks include stomach ulcers and bleeding.

Celecoxib (Celebrex)

COX-2 selective NSAID for arthritis and pain; may cause heart problems and stomach upset.

Prednisone / Methylprednisolone

Glucocorticoids for inflammation and asthma/RA; side effects include weight gain, infections, and moon face.

Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)

Disease-modifying agent for RA, psoriasis, and cancer; lowers white blood cells and can damage liver.

Etanercept (Enbrel)

TNF inhibitor for RA and psoriasis; increases infection risk and potential heart failure.

Allopurinol (Zyloprim)

Prevents gout; can cause rash and liver problems.

Colchicine

Treats acute gout attacks; can cause severe diarrhea and low white blood cells.

Indomethacin (Indocin)

Gout and arthritis pain; may cause stomach bleeding and headache.

Montelukast (Singulair)

Asthma prevention and allergies; may affect mood with depression or suicidal thoughts.

Albuterol (Proventil)

Rescue inhaler for asthma attacks; can cause shakiness and tachycardia.

Ipratropium (Atrovent)

Treats COPD and asthma; side effects include dry mouth, cough, and blurred vision.

Fluticasone (Flonase)

Allergies and nasal congestion (steroid spray); can cause nosebleeds, sore throat, and headache.

Vancomycin

Treats MRSA and C. diff infections; can cause red man syndrome and kidney damage.

Piperacillin/Tazobactam (Zosyn)

Broad-spectrum antibiotics for serious infections; risk of allergy and diarrhea.

Levofloxacin (Levaquin)

Used for pneumonia, skin infections, UTIs; risk of tendon rupture and photosensitivity.

Gentamicin

For serious bacterial infections; can cause hearing loss and kidney damage.

Metronidazole (Flagyl)

Treats C. diff, protozoa, and some STIs; metallic taste, nausea; avoid alcohol.

Rifampin

Tuberculosis treatment; causes orange body fluids and potential liver damage.

Isoniazid (INH)

Tuberculosis treatment; can cause nerve and liver damage.

Amphotericin B

Severe fungal infections; fever, chills, and kidney damage.

Fluconazole (Diflucan)

Treats yeast/fungal infections; possible liver problems and nausea.

Timolol (Timoptic)

Glaucoma eye drop; beta blocker that can slow heart rate and cause breathing issues in asthma.

Pilocarpine

Glaucoma treatment; may cause blurred vision, sweating, and drooling.

Ciprofloxacin ear drops (Cipro Otic)

Ear infections; may cause ear discomfort and fungal overgrowth.

Amoxicillin

Ear infection treatment; can cause allergic reactions and diarrhea.